Catherine is 17 Months!

Catherine is actually 17 months and two weeks. Catherine's 17 month anniversary came while we were in Dallas making arrangements for my mother. So here we go. Better late than never.

Catherine Swinging!

 

 



Random facts about Catherine at 17 months:
Weight: unsure – at 15 months she was 20.1 lbs
Wears: size 18-24 month pants, 18-24month shirts, 18-24months dresses, size 4 1/2 -5 shoes
Teeth: 6 on top and 7 on the bottom!
Loves: opening and closing doors, stacking blocks, dancing to music, anything outdoors, going to the park, "reading" books, running down the hallway while screaming, clapping for herself, iPhones, Elmo

Hates: being hungry or thirsty, sharing, the word no

Brags: She knows the animal sounds for dog (woof woof), duck (quack quack), and can turn lights on and off, walk up and down the stairs holding my hand, drink from a straw,

Foods she loves: tomatoes, rice,orange slices, apple slices, peas, oatmeal, corn pasta, homemade cookies, homemade and restaurant french fries, roasted chicken, corn tortillas, green beans, turkey, corn polenta

Foods she hates: bananas, refried beans,and eggplant

Favorite toys: her kitchen, her shape sorting blocks, stacking blocks, books with musical buttons, her mini piano, and her leap frog laptop, crayons and paper

 

What she says: "more, eat, cup, chip, doggy, back pack, apple, mama, dada, titi, no, and so much more!

Catherine is 16 Months!

 

Random facts about Catherine at 16 months:
Weight: unsure – at 15 months she was 20.11 lbs
Wears: size 18-24 month pants, 18-24month shirts, 18-24months dresses, size 4 shoes
Teeth: 5 on top ,5 on the bottom, and 3 more breaking through!
Loves: opening and closing doors, stacking blocks, dancing to music, pointing out and asking about everything around her “dis? dis?”,  running down the hallway while screaming, clapping for herself, iPhones, Elmo, saying "more, more", sliding down the slide at the park, reading books.

Hates: being hungry or thirsty, sharing

Brags: She knows the animal sounds for dog (woof woof), duck (quack quack), and can turn lights on and off, follows simple directions (put this in the trash, or bring me your cup).

Foods she loves: tomatoes, rice,orange slices, apple slices, peas, oatmeal, corn pasta,  homemade cookies, homemade and restaurant french fries, roasted chicken, corn tortillas, green beans

Foods she hates: bananas, refried beans,and eggplant

Favorite toys: her kitchen, her shape sorting blocks, stacking blocks, books with musical buttons, her mini piano, and her leap frog laptop.

New Guidelines to Prevent Food Allergies

Today I read an article that states changes have been made in the recommendations on when to start certain foods to prevent food allergies.

Instead of waiting a year to introduce foods like peanuts, egg, and soy, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI),   now encouraged to introduce these food earlier.  The new guidelines also recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 4-6 months and eliminating "avoidance diets" for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Like most mothers of food allergic children, I always question if I did anything wrong. I know that I did not cause Catherine's allergies, but it is good to know that new recommendations have been created to help prevent food allergies in children.

Do you have a child with food allergies. When did you introduce peanuts, soy, milk, and eggs? Do you think the new guidelines will reduce food allergies in children?

Motherhood Chronicles: Why I decided to be a black stay-at-home mom

I have always known I wanted to be a wife and mother. From a young age, I possessed a nurturing spirit. I was the girl in high school who embraced sewing, cooking, and all things domestic. When I found out I was pregnant with Catherine, I knew I wanted to stay home and focus on my family.

Before having Catherine, I was a preschool teacher (I love children). I also was very involved in church activities an possessed a entrepreneurial spirit. Attending college, creating a business and even organizing a young adult conference, I was and still remain a driven and passionate person. However, once Catherine was born, I made the decision to slow down and stay home. This decision was not met with enthusiasm by all. While my husband was very supportive, my sister and other family members let me know they were not pleased with my decision. It was as if becoming a stay-at-home mom would make me less smart.

Historically, black women do not stay at home. This made my decision to stay-at-home even more isolating and frowned upon. I read a article that states black women are half as likely as white women to stay at home with their children. I believe this is due to social and economic challenges that have plagued the African American Community. Many African American mothers simply did not have a choice. They had to go to work to support there families.

My mother was unable to stay at home with my siblings and I. Working as a professional educator and counselor for over 32 years, she helped support our family financially. I am forever grateful for my mother and all of the sacrifices she made for me to have a better life.

I chose to become a stay-at-mom because I wanted to focus on my family. I want to be my child's first teacher and ensure that she has all of the skills and tools she needs to make it in this often crazy world.  Financially, I had the option to stay at home and I encourage those who do to consider it.

I don't want to start the mommy wars or race wars. I want to start a discussion that ultimately uplifts motherhood. One that shows young women they can be educated, passionate, and talented and make a huge mark on the world working  in or outside the home.

Each month I  plan to discuss the issues of being a stay-at-home mom from the African American perspective in the Motherhood Chronicles. I hope you follow and join the discussion.

Catherine is 15 Months!

Went to Catherine's 15 month check-up today. Not much has changed this month for Catherine. However, she is becoming more independent with every new day.

Random facts about Catherine at 15 months:

Weight/Height:  20.11 lbs and 30''
Wears: size 18-24 month pants, 18-24month shirts, 18-24months dresses, size 4 shoes
Teeth: 5 on top and 5 on the bottom!
Loves: opening and closing doors, stacking blocks, dancing to music, pointing out and asking about everything around her “dis? dis?”,  running down the hallway while screaming, clapping for herself, iPhones, Elmo, brushing her teeth, being outside in nature,saying "eat, eat" when it is time to eat

Hates: being hungry or thirsty, sharing

Brags: She knows the animal sounds for dog (woof woof), duck (quack quack), and can turn lights on and off. She knows and uses the signs for milk and more.

Foods she loves: tomatoes, rice,orange slices, apple slices, peas, oatmeal, corn pasta,  homemade cookies, homemade and restaurant french fries, roasted chicken, corn tortillas, green beans

Foods she hates: bananas, refried beans,and eggplant

Favorite toys: her kitchen, her shape sorting blocks, stacking blocks, books with musical buttons, her mini piano, and her leap frog laptop.

Finding My Voice: Learning to sing again

This weekend I was blessed to participate in the 23rd annual black history program at Bethel SDA Church in Kansas City, KS. As a member of the Beacon Light SDA Church choir, we sang two spiritual songs.

I was really blessed by the experience and look forward to singing more praises to God with this group. Becoming a member of the Beacon Light SDA Adult Choir has been a blessing in many ways. For the first time since I gave birth to Catherine, I was able to use my talent and gift.

At one time in my life, music was very important to me. I even studied music at the collegiate level. I love music and have a passion for choral music. However, after I had Catherine, my involvement in church and musical endeavors have been none existent.

 I must admit that I have struggled with finding balance between motherhood and taking time for myself. As a stay-at-home mom, it seems as if my entire world revolves around making sure Catherine and my family are happy, healthy, and safe.

After joining the choir last month, I not only have an outlet to use my talents, but I have scheduled me time. Every Friday night I look forward to going to choir rehearsal . I can't wait to see all of my friends and sing beautiful music.I also think it is good for Catherine. She is able to spend some alone time with her father. It is a win for the entire family.

If you are a parent, how do you find balance? What do you do for you? How do you balance family and church involvement?

Click to hear the Beacon Light SDA Church Choir sing.

Building Community through the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network

Being a mother of a food allergic child can be hard. Although we are only at the beginning of our journey, there have seen some rough days. Changing diets and  changing my attitude towards food, has taken time.

 I have approached this new journey in my families lives much in the same way I have approached all others. Through lots of prayer, research (the nerd in me), and  input from those who have walked the journey before me.

Last Thursday evening, I was able to meet other mothers who face the same challenges I face. I attended my first meeting of the local Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN).

It was an intimate meeting set at the Panera Bread located at my local mall. There I would meet 5 women all at different places in this journey.  One mother talked about the challenges children can face in the school setting. She shared her frustrations and showed the need for 504 plans. Another mother seemed to be at the beginning of her journey as well. Her son had recently been diagnosed with many of the same allergies Catherine has. We discussed our favorite products, shared stories of our battles (allergic reactions), referred our favorite doctors, shared new information and for a moment, just breathed.

For two hours we laughed, shed some tears, and were connected through our shared experiences.  It was a blessing.When it was all over, we exchanged emails and vowed to stay connected until the next monthly meeting.

I left the meeting inspired, hopeful, empowered and with a goody bag.  Do you suffer from food allergies? Do you have a child affected by food allergies? If so, I encourage you to get involved with FAAN. Get involved and know you're not alone.

Diaper Duty: Why I use cloth diapers

Like breastfeeding, I knew I wanted to use cloth diapers from the moment I found out I was pregnant with Catherine.

At first, I was primarily motivated by saving money. Parents typically spend thousands of dollars on disposable diapers in the first two years.  Using clothe diapers only required a $500 investment and can be used for years. This saved my family a significant amount of money. 

Two weeks before I was to deliver Catherine, I ordered 24 Bumgenius 4.0 pocket diapers.  They were beautiful and I was excited to use them. I quickly learned the best way to care for my diapers. 

Fourteen months later, I am still using my Bumgenius diapers. I launder them every other day using Bumgenius diaper detergent.  

My diapers are easy to care for. Best of all, they are good for the earth and Catherine's bottom.  

Do you use cloth diapers? If yes, how do you care for them? What advice do you have for a mother who is considering the use of cloth diapers?

For more information on the diapers I use, go to Cotton Babies. 

Extended Breastfeeding: When did you wean?

From the moment I found out I was pregnant with Catherine, I knew I wanted to nurse. My best friend, Jessica who is a O.B.G.Y.N. resident nursed her daughter and encouraged me to do the same.

With an initial goal to nurse for one year, I researched ways to be successful.I bought books,read articles, and interviewed all of my mom friends. Then I mentally prepared myself for the long hall.

Although it has not been easy, Catherine and I are still going strong. At 14 months, our breastfeeding journey has endured multiple bouts of thrush, but we were able to push through.

When I tell people I am still nursing. I get the occasional blank stare with a comment like, "really?" It seems as if most people in this area think it is kind of strange to nurse a toddler. But after seeing the nutritional benefits and how much Catherine loves it, I have decided to keep our journey going.

Now that I have exceeded my initial goal, I have no immediate plans of stopping. Catherine now enjoys table food, and I have given her rice milk, but she still prefers breastfeeding.

How long did you breastfeed? If you have weaned, what process did you use?

Edible Finger Paint: Soy-Free,Gluten-Free,Peanut-Free,and Dairy-Free

Catherine is almost fourteen months and I have tried several times to let her scribble with crayons. She loves it when we do this, however, she also loves to eat crayons. Searching for a safe alternative, I discovered edible finger paint. Listed below is the recipe I use. I hope you and your little one enjoys it as much as we do.

Edible Finger Paint (For each color)
2 Tablespoons of Corn Starch
4 Tablespoons of Water
Food coloring as desired

Combine and mix well.